Apple iTV will sport next-gen 3D tech analysts predict

Adding to recent Apple iTV rumours, a new report from analysts at Morgan Stanley has suggested Apple’s first television set will boast a wealth of innovative technology, including a smart context-sensitive implementation of 3D.

The analysts have pored over Apple’s patents and predicted which ones will make it into the company’s long-predicted television (which they claim will be launched very soon). So it’s more informed opinions than straight-up fact, as is frequently the case with analyst predictions.

The 3D patent is one of the more interesting aspects raised. Filed in 2005 and granted in 2011, it involves a “groundbreaking” 3D display system that can identify the position of human viewers in a room and their movements, and is able to project virtual objects onto a display area as well as provide audio and visual feedback. Sounds very much like a UI to us.

They also predict that the Apple iTV will have a 3D remote controller, which will allow a cursor to appear on the screen depending on the position and orientation at which the user holds the remote.

The TV will support Siri for voice control and search, and access a huge database of metadata that allows users to look for content across iTunes, Netflix, IMDB, Amazon and social networking sites.

Apple has also been granted patents for a high refresh rate TFT-LCD screen which would reduce eye fatigue, and a network that would allow viewers to monitor athletes’ heart rates, body temperature and other measurable stats via on-screen updates during live sporting events.

The analysts’ predictions are based around the assumption that Apple will want the Apple iTV set to show itself as distinct from the rest of the HDTV market by virtue of a number of exclusive features.

Are you on board with the analysts’ predictions for the Apple iTV, or do you think they’re clutching at straws? Share your thoughts on the matter via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comments section below.